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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Frances Kindon

Strictly's Helen Skelton 'spotted worrying warning sign before husband Richie Myler left'

Despite her hesitance, Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton has made a big impression on the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, Cha Cha Cha-ing her way up the leaderboard.

The decision to join the show came at a time of turmoil for the single mother-of-three, who was left reeling when her husband, rugby star Richie Myler, walked out on their marriage.

At the time of their split back in April, the former couple's youngest child, Elsie Kate, was just four months old at the time. They are also parents to sons, Ernie, seven, and Louis, five.

In a short statement, a shocked and heartbroken Helen confirmed the end of her eight-year marriage to the Leeds Rhinos star, telling fans: "Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple. He has left the family home.

"We will be doing our best to co parent our small children."

The Sun reported that Richie had 'started a romance' with a mystery new woman just a number of weeks after the split. The woman was later revealed to be Stephanie Thirkill, 32, the daughter of Andrew Thirkill, President of Leeds Rhinos.

At the time, Richie's pals claimed the sports star had 'seen the young businesswoman several times recently' and that they were in 'the very early stages of a relationship'.

"Richie appears to have been spending a lot of his free time with this younger, successful businesswoman," an insider said.

Meanwhile, Helen was said to be deeply hurt by the possibility that some of her closest friends had known about her ex's new romance but didn't warn her.

"Helen feels betrayed that some of their friends possibly already knew [Richie and his girlfriend] were together before she did, and they didn't let her know," a source told new! magazine.

Helen was reportedly blindsided by the split (PA)

"It could have been that her pals felt they were in a difficult position, as Helen has just had her new baby and it was a hard time, but it has made her feel low."

According to one source, while Helen was blindsided by Richie's departure, she'd already spotted signs that something was off in their marriage.

"Helen has known something hasn’t been right in the marriage for a while now," the insider told The Sun.

However, when Richie finally announced his intention to leave, a devastated Helen was nevertheless rendered speechless, according to reports.

"She was absolutely dumbstruck when it finally ended. The split has been incredibly tough on Helen," the insider added.

"She is being supported by her family and friends who are all rallying around her. Everyone is in a state of shock at their break up."

Helen is now a single mum to three kids (@helenskelton/Instagram)
The Countryfile star is in the process of carving a new life out for herself (mirror.co.uk)

And there was further heartache in store when Richie Myler shared loved-up snaps with his new girlfriend during a romantic holiday in August.

The images from the trip to Padstow, Cornwall, showed Richie and Stephanie cuddling up in front of a sunny backdrop with the caption, "Cornwall. Was worth a 32 year wait."

Richie also posted a video of him wading into the sea followed by a photo of a sunny harbour, captured during their trip.

Richie limited who could comment on the post, but his new girlfriend left a gushing response, writing: "Thanks for the best weekend! LOVE YOU".

And a source has claimed that Helen, who was recently scammed out of £70,000, was "devastated" by the pictures of her ex-husband with his new flame.

A source told new! magazine: "It's one thing knowing it's happening, but it's another thing actually seeing it.

Helen and Gorka tore up the dance floor last week (BBC)

"For him to post it all over Instagram has been hard. She feels like this is rubbing it in her face, and it's a knife to the heart. It just seems a bit insensitive."

The insider also added that while Helen has kept a "dignified silence" following the breakup, her pals have rallied round to support the TV presenter.

And, although her friends are urging her to find love again, Helen is reportedly far from ready.

The source explained: "She's focusing on the kids and work. She's not ready to get back out there on the dating scene but her friends would like her to meet someone."

*Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.30pm on BBC One

What do you think of the Strictly lineup this year? Have your say in the comments section below...

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